Introduction
Have you been thinking about microchipping your pet but want additional information before deciding? Matt Davies Harmony Communities knows that dog microchipping is reasonably inexpensive and a wise decision for any pet. According to the American Humane Society, around 10 million pets are lost annually in the United States. The likelihood that your pet will be securely delivered to you will rise if it has a microchip.
The price of a dog microchip and other frequently asked issues concerning canine microchips will be discussed in this article.
What Are Microchips?
A veterinarian can implant a canine microchip under your dog’s skin, in the area between the shoulder blades. The size of this electrical chip is comparable to a grain of rice. Unlike dog GPS tracking collars, a microchip cannot be traced via a mobile device.
The first thing the staff does whenever a stray dog is brought to a vet office or animal shelter is scanned it for a microchip. The microchip’s distinctive identification number is visible when your pet is scanned. Your contact information will be linked to the microchip number if the pet’s microchip is registered online so you may be reached, and your pet can be reunited with you.
What Does It Cost?
The average cost of a canine microchip from a vet clinic is between $50 and $60, which covers the price of the chip, the cost of implantation, and the cost of registering the microchip number. Depending on where you live, this cost can be more or lower. At VetIQ Pet Care veterinarian clinics, which are veterinary wellness centers situated inside specific Walmart and Meijer shops, you might be able to get your dog microchipped for as little as $22.
Is There a Monthly Charge?
The cost of microchipping at the veterinarian clinic is typically included in the price of the majority of microchips, which have a one-time lifetime registration fee. Many microchip manufacturers offer subscription-based services with extra features and advantages. It’s unnecessary to continue making these monthly payments to keep your pet’s microchip registered. Visit the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup to determine if your pet’s microchip is registered.
Are Microchips Worth It?
The cost of microchipping your dog is well worth it. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs with microchips were returned to their owners around half of the time, compared to just about a quarter of the time for dogs without them. Because of this, if your pet gets lost or runs away, they are more likely to find their way back to you if they have a microchip.
Are Microchips Painful?
A big needle is used to insert a microchip under a dog’s skin. Compared to a vaccine needle, this one is bigger. When the needle is put into the dog’s skin, there may be a moment of slight discomfort, although this discomfort is often minimal and transient. Some dogs scarcely experience any discomfort during microchip implantation. The microchip can be implanted without undergoing surgery or being sedated.
How Old Do Dogs Need to Be for Microchipping?
Since microchipping can be done at any age, I advise having your dog done as soon as feasible. Some veterinarians can microchip puppies as young as six weeks old. For little and toy breed dogs, in particular, some doctors may advise waiting until 12 to 16 weeks of age. It is best to microchip your pet as soon as possible.
What Is the Half-life of Microchips?
Most microchips were created to last 20 to 25 years, so they usually survive the lifetime of your pet. The microchip should function properly for many years after being inserted beneath the skin. It is a good idea to have your veterinarian scan your pet’s microchip once a year to make sure it is still operational because microchips might malfunction occasionally.
Can I Track My Dog with The Microchip?
A dog microchip is untraceable. A microchip is merely an identification chip that must be read with a microchip scanner after being put beneath your dog’s skin. If you want your dog to have a trackable identity, you should consider getting your pet a microchip and a GPS tracking collar or tag. If your dog gets lost, GPS trackers for dogs will let you know where they are.
Can You Tell If a Dog Is Microchipped?
Most veterinary clinics and animal shelters have the equipment necessary to scan a dog for a microchip. Ask a veterinarian to scan your dog to look for a microchip if you are unsure if it has been microchipped. As soon as they give you the microchip number, double-check that it is associated with your name and contact details. Additionally, if you come across a stray dog, you should contact a vet’s office or an animal shelter so they can check the dog for a microchip.
Do I Still Need ID Tags?
Even if your pet has a microchip, it must wear identifying tags. If your dog wears ID tags, you will be reunited with him more quickly if he runs away. Additionally, your pet will still need to wear its rabies tag to demonstrate its current rabies vaccination. The microchip will be the only method for your dog to be recognized and brought back to you if its collar comes off when it gets lost.
Where Can I Get Them Microchipped?
You should contact your neighborhood vet if you’re interested in having your dog microchipped. The majority of veterinary hospitals are equipped to microchip pets. Make an appointment to get your pet microchipped by calling your veterinarian to find out how much the surgery will cost.
Conclusion
Matt Davies Harmony Communities feels it best to get your dog microchipped. Not only will you have peace of mind that your dog can find its way back to you, but there is also minimal downside to chipping them.
